Fallen conductor warning system

ABSTRACT

A system for notifying and/or warning of fallen or downed insulated conductor generally includes a distribution system for distributing a utility, such as power, and a sensor system for sensing whether the distribution system is properly operating. The warning system can include a support structure; an arm carried by the support structure and extending outwardly therefrom; a distribution system providing a utility via at least one wire, the wire held aloft from a below surface via the arm; a communication cable transmitting a signal; a disruption assembly carrying the communication cable and in communication with the support structure. The disruption assembly is loaded with the potential of disrupting the signal transmitted by the communication cable; and a sensor system is adapted to monitor the distribution system based on the signal transmitted by the communication cable.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims benefit, under 35U.S.C. §120, of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/197,378, filed 25Aug. 2008, which claims benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/981,366, filed 19 Oct. 2007, theentire contents and substance of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a notification systemand, more particularly, to a warning system that provides notificationof fallen wires.

Insulated conductors are wire conductors that are covered by aninsulated shell, such as rubber, and are well-known in the art.Insulated conductors, sometimes called covered conductors, weredeveloped to reduce failure rates compared to the more conventionalbare-wire conductors, and improve security and reliability of theconductors. The additional investment cost of insulated conductors overbare-wire conductors is often fully compensated by savings in: linespacing, reduced maintenance, and a better reliability of an electricalnetwork. Typically, insulated conductors are used in distributionsystems, rather than larger transmission systems, and are thuspositioned throughout neighborhoods and at lower elevations.

A significant advantage of insulated conductors over bare-wireconductors is each conductor can be positioned near/close to anotherconductor, and yet still remains insulated from one another. This closepositioning significantly reduces line spacing between or amongconductors. Accordingly, insulated conductors can be weaved through anumber of trees to provide electricity to tree-dense areas. Anotheradvantage of insulated conductors is they can be in direct contact withan object, for example, a tree, and this contact will not create a shortcircuit or a cause a fire. Moreover, insulated conductors can eliminatethe need of large, elongated, external insulators.

Insulated conductors are most often positioned between tree limbs,branches, and trunks, and thus are sometimes referred to as “treewires.” Frequently, the tree wires fall due to a tree, branch, or polefalling upon them. As a result, the insulated conductor can lie on theground. Although a short circuit does not exist due to the insulationproperties of the conductor covering, if a person were to touch theinsulated conductor, the person could be severely injured, even fatally.

When insulated conductors fall, utility companies, particularly powercompanies, need to be notified as soon as possible. Utility companiescurrently have procedures in place to notify them of fallen power lines,but typically these procedures are effective only if the conductorscreate a short circuit condition. This notification system relies uponrelays or fuses to detect the high current conditions and subsequentlyde-energize the line.

In order to determine whether the insulated conductor is down, the powercompany must send out one or more line operators to “drive the lines”,or drive along the insulated conductors to visually confirm whether aninsulated conductor is down. Driving the lines is an expensive task andrelies on human perfection; plus, it wastes valuable time. If aninsulated conductor fell, and the line operator were to arrive after aperson grabbed the insulated conductor, an unfortunate, and ratherserious, injury could occur.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, embodiments of the present invention include a systemfor notifying and/or warning of a fallen wire or cable.

In an exemplary embodiment, the warning system comprises a support, anarm, a communication system, and a wire to be monitored. The support isa general vertical structure, such as a power pole or tree, but can bean approximate horizontal structure, such as a bottom portion of abridge. The support carries the arm, which is coupled thereto andcarries a portion of the communication system and the wire. Thecommunication system is adapted to communicate that an event, such asfalling of the wire, has occurred. The communication system can providea signal communicating to an operator that the event has occurred andthus can protect and ensure citizen's safety by killing power to a givenarea.

In an exemplary embodiment, a system for notifying and/or warning offallen or downed wire generally includes a distribution system fordistributing a utility through the wire, e.g., power, and a sensorsystem for sensing whether the distribution system is properlyoperating. The warning system can include a support structure; an armcarried by the support structure and extending outwardly therefrom; adistribution system providing a utility via at least one wire, the wireheld aloft from a below surface via the arm; a communication cabletransmitting a signal; a disruption assembly carrying the communicationcable and in communication with the support structure. The disruptionassembly is loaded with the potential of disrupting the signaltransmitted by the communication cable; and a sensor system is adaptedto monitor the distribution system based on the signal transmitted bythe communication cable.

In an exemplary embodiment, the system notifies and warns, specifically,of a fallen or downed insulated conductor. The notification/warningsystem for a fallen insulated conductor includes a distribution systemfor distributing a utility, such as electricity, and a sensor system forsensing whether the distribution system is properly operating.

The distribution system includes a power pole, an arm, a messenger, ahanger system, and at least one insulated conductor. To distributeelectricity, there are a plurality of power poles in proximity to oneanother for holding conductor(s) aloft. Near the top end of each powerpole an arm extends outwardly. Connected near the far end of arm (theend away from the pole) is a messenger. The messenger is a wire, and canbe a neutral conductor, for securing the hanger system in place. Thehanger system is adapted to secure the insulated conductor(s) in place.Depending on the number of insulated conductors in the distributionsystem, the shape, size, and features of the hanger system vary. Forexample, if there are three insulated conductors, often called a bundledconductor, the hanger system can have a diamond shape with a fewinsulators positioned between the insulated conductors. The messenger isadapted to fully support the hanger system, along with the conductors.

The sensor system for monitoring the distribution system is adapted tosense whether the insulated conductors have fallen. The sensor systemincludes a sensor for acquiring data related to the distribution system.In one embodiment, the sensor system includes a communication cable, anotification assembly, and a signal processing system. The notificationassembly is positioned near the hanger system and the insulatedconductors. For example and not limitation, the notification assemblycan be positioned integral with the arm, on the arm, on the pole abovethe hanger system, on the pole below the hanger system, or otherconvenient places in which fallen insulated conductors can be incommunication with the notification assembly.

In an exemplary embodiment, the notification assembly is a disruptionassembly. The disruption assembly includes a channel to receive thecommunication cable, and a disruption, e.g., cutting, device. Thecommunication cable rests within the channel. The communication cable isa fiber optic cable, coaxial cable, or like cable. Additionally, thedisruption device of the disruption assembly can be tethered to themessenger of the power distribution system. Upon a disruption ofelectricity due to, for example and not limitation, a tree branch, treelimb, tree trunk, tree, or power pole falling upon an element of thepower distribution system or, alternatively, a power pole holding thepower distribution system falling completely, the disruption device ofthe disruption assembly is pivotable to disrupt, interfere with, alter,pierce and/or slice the communication cable. Upon this occurrence, thesignal processing system is notified that there is a downed insulatedconductor, or power line. The signal processing system can include acommunications device, such as a modem or like device, for remotelytransmitting the status of the sensor system.

The signal processing system of the sensor system can provide a signal,either pulsed or continuous, to be transmitted through the communicationcable. For example, if the communication cable is a fiber optic cable,the signal processing system can transmit a light signal through thefiber optic cable. The light signal can travel along the communicationcable until it reaches either another signal processing system or thesame signal processing system that transmitted the light signal in thefirst case. If, for some reason, the light signal does not reach thedesignated signal processing system, an operator can be alerted. Forexample, the operator can be alerted at a distant or remote location. Atthat time the operator can at least decide whether to prompt withanother light signal through the signal processing system, to send aline operator to check on the status of the conductors, and/or killpower to the given area.

For example and not limitation, if an object were to fall on themessenger, the disruption device of the disruption assembly could beactivated to cut the communication cable. Then, the signal processingsystem would be notified that the communication cable was disturbed, andsafety procedures can be taken to protect citizens. Also, if the treebranch were to fall on the insulated conductor, the insulated conductorwould cause the hanger system to fall, which in turn would pull down themessenger. Based on the fall of the messenger, the disruption device ofthe disruption assembly is activated and would disrupt the communicationcable.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent upon reading the followingspecification in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a warning system for notifying/warningof a fallen wire, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view a disruption assembly, in accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an environment for a sensor system of the warningsystem, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the warning system fornotifying/warning of a fallen wire, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates another side view of the warning system, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of the disruption assembly in anopen state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of the disruption assembly in aclosed state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features ofembodiments of the invention, they are explained hereinafter withreference to their implementation in an illustrative embodiment.Embodiments of the invention are described in the context of being awarning system for fallen wires or cable, particularly for falleninsulated conductors.

The invention, however, is not limited to its use as a warning systemfor fallen wires. Rather, the invention can be used when a warningsystem is desired, or as is necessary. Thus, the warning systemdescribed hereinafter as a warning system for fallen conductors can alsofind utility as a warning system for other applications, beyond that offallen conductors.

The materials described hereinafter as making up the various elements ofthe invention are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Manysuitable materials that would perform the same or a similar function asthe materials described herein are intended to be embraced within thescope of the invention. Such other materials not described herein caninclude, but are not limited to, for example, materials that aredeveloped after the time of the development of the invention.

Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference numerals representlike parts throughout the view, the warning system will be described indetail.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system for notifyingand/or warning of a fallen wire or cable, e.g., conductor and/orcommunication wire (fiber optic, copper wire, etc.).

In an exemplary embodiment, the warning system includes a support, anarm, a communication system, and a wire to be monitored. The support isa general vertical structure, such as a power pole or tree, but can bean approximate horizontal structure, such as a bottom portion of abridge. The support carries the arm, which is coupled thereto andcarries both the communication system and the wire. The communicationsystem is adapted to communicate that an event, such as falling of thewire, has occurred. The communication system can provide a signalcommunicating to an operator that the event has occurred and thus canprotect and ensure citizen's safety by killing power to a given area.

When the system is notifying and/or warning of a fallen conductor,aspects of the present invention include a power distribution system fordistributing electrical power, and a sensor system for sensing whetherthe power distribution system is properly operating.

For example, the power distribution system generally includes a powerpole, an arm, a messenger, a hanger system, and at least one insulatedconductor. To distribute electricity, there are a plurality of powerpoles in proximity to one another for holding conductor(s) aloft. Nearthe top end of each power pole the arm extends outwardly. Connected nearthe far end of arm (the end away from the pole) is a messenger. Themessenger is a wire, and can be a neutral conductor, for securing thehanger system in place. The hanger system is adapted to secure theinsulated conductor(s) in place. Depending on the number of insulatedconductors in the power distribution system, the shape, size andfeatures of the hanger system can vary. For example, if there are threeinsulated conductors the hanger system can have a diamond shape with afew small insulators positioned therebetween. The messenger is adaptedto fully support the hanger system, along with the conductors.

The sensor system is adapted to sense whether the insulated conductorshave fallen. In one embodiment, the sensor system includes acommunication cable, a notification assembly, and a signal processingsystem. Positioned near the hanger system and the insulated conductorsis the notification assembly and specifically in a convenient place inwhich fallen insulated conductors can be in communication with thenotification assembly.

In one embodiment, the notification assembly is a cutter assembly. Thecutter assembly includes a channel to receive the communication cable,and a cutting device. The communication cable rests within the channel.The communication cable can be a fiber optic cable, coaxial cable, orlike cable. Moreover, the cutting device of the cutter assembly istethered to the messenger of the power distribution system. Upon anevent, the cutting device of the cutter assembly pierces and/or slicesthe communication cable. Upon this occurrence, the signal processingsystem is notified that there is a downed insulated conductor, or powerline. The signal processing system can include a telecommunicationsdevice, such as a modem or like device, for remotely transmitting thestatus of the sensor system.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4-5, the warning system 100 is illustrated.The warning system 100 includes a distribution system 200 fordistributing utilities, e.g., communication, power, or electricity, toconsumers, and a sensor system 300 for monitoring the distributionsystem 200 and, in particular, whether an element of the distributionsystem 200 has fallen.

The distribution system 200 comprises a support structure 205, an arm210, a hanger system 220, and wires 230, which are preferablyconductors. Optionally, a messenger 215 can be further included in thedistribution system 200.

There are a plurality of support structures 205 that extend upwardly orare positioned in an vertical orientation that are positioned distantfrom one another for holding wires and/or conductors aloft. For example,in an exemplary embodiment, the support structures 205 are power poles205 p that are supported by concrete, distant from one another forsupporting wires and/or conductors a desired distance about the ground.Conventional power poles 205 p are commonly made of wood, concrete, orsteel. It is desired that the power pole 205 p be strong enough to holdthe wires/conductors aloft, and be of the material such that it is notbe compromised due to weather elements (e.g., rain, snow, heat, wind,and the like). The power pole 205 p, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, isshown in an upright orientation and is capable of receiving bores.Generally, the power pole 205 p includes a top end 205 t and a bottomend 205 b. The bottom end 205 b is secured in the ground, while the topend 205 t is positioned upright and above the ground.

The support structure 205 can also be other support surfaces, such as avertical surface, e.g., building, or a horizontal structure, such as abridge (connected, for example, beneath the bridge's span).

The arm 210 can be secured near the top end 205 t of the power pole 205p. The arm 210 has a first end 210 f in communication with the powerpole 205 p and a second end 210 s that is distant the power pole 205 p.For instance, the arm 210 can be bolted to the power pole 205 p via oneor more bolts 206 that are inserted into bores in the power pole 205 p.In this orientation, the arm 210 extends outwardly from near the top end205 t of the power pole 205 p. Alternatively, the arm 210 can be securedto the pole 205 p by a non-boring means.

The arm 210 can include a release feature, such that it is adaptable torelease from the pole 205 p. The arm 210 can also include a breakawayfeature. Because power poles 205 p can be rather difficult and expensiveto install, it is desirable that if an object falls on an element of thedistribution system 200 that the arm 210 be adapted to release or break,rather than damage/destroy the power pole 205 p. For example, the arm210 can have pivot point 210 p, such that the object falling on anelement of the distribution system 200 causes the arm 210 to break alongthe pivot point 210 p. Alternatively, the arm 210 can be adapted torelease or break from the secured point at the power pole 205 p if anelement were to fall on the distribution system 200.

The arm 210 can support the messenger 215 aloft. When the system 100incorporates the messenger 215, the messenger 215 can be positioned nearthe second end 210 s of the arm 210. The messenger 215 extends from onepower pole 205 p to another, specifically from one arm 210 to anotherarm 210, and is a thin wire that is used to hold a heavier line or wire.In an exemplary embodiment, the messenger 215 is conductive, and canserve as the neutral line as needed or desired. The messenger 215 can bepositioned above or beneath the arm 210.

The messenger 215 is adapted to hold the hanger system 220 in place.Based on this arrangement, the hanger system 220 can securedly hold theconductors 230 aloft. The hanger system 220 can comprise a hanger 222,as well as a number of clamps 224 for securing the conductors 230.

The hanger 222 can hang from the arm 210. Generally, the hanger 222 canbe adapted to hang from the messenger 215. Clamps 224 can be used tosecure the conductors 230 to the hanger 222. The clamps 224 define achannel sufficiently large enough to receive and secure the conductors230. The hanger 220 can have a variety of shapes and sizes, which can bedependent on the number of conductors 230 being secured thereto. Forexample, if there are three conductors, the hanger 222 can have adiamond shape (see FIG. 1) or a triangular shape (see FIGS. 4-5). Aplurality of insulators 226 for insulating the insulated conductors 230from one another are positioned between therebetween can further beincorporated in the hanger 222, such that the insulators 226 arepositioned between the conductors 230.

The messenger 215 and/or the hanger system 220 can incorporate abreakaway or release feature. Because it is undesirable toinstall/replace a power pole 205 p, if an object falls on an element ofthe distribution system 200, the messenger 215 or hanger system 220,incorporating the breakaway or release feature, is adapted to eitherbreak and/or release upon the object falling thereupon. This feature cansave the power pole 205 p from damage, and ultimately eases the task andcost of replacing the fallen wires or reconductoring.

The conductors 230 in this arrangement are insulated conductors 231.Insulated conductors 231, often referred to as tree wires, coveredwires, and covered conductors, have an exterior of insulated material,for example, rubber. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, there can be threeinsulated conductors 231 hanging from the hanger system 220. Eachinsulated conductor 231 includes a conductor core 232 for transmittingelectricity, and an insulated exterior 234. When there are more than oneinsulated conductor 231, and they are bundled together in thisspace-saving arrangement; conductors in this arrangement are referred toas bundled conductors.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6B, the sensor system 300 is illustrated. Thesensor system 300 is adapted to sense whether the insulated conductorshave fallen, and if so to alert that such an event occurred. The sensorsystem 300 includes a communication cable 305, a notification assembly310, and a signal processing system 350.

The communication cable 305 is used to monitor the status of thedistribution system 200. The communication cable 305 can be many typesof cabling, such as a fiber optic cable, coaxial cable, copper cable,and the like. In one embodiment, the communication cable 305 is a fiberoptic cable, although other cables can be used in the sensor system 300.The communication cable 305 can be received by the notification assembly310.

The notification assembly 310 is adapted to notify an operator thestatus of the distribution system 200. In an exemplary embodiment, thenotification assembly 310 is a disruption assembly that can disrupt,bend, cut, pierce, or slice the communication cable 305. For example andnot limitation, because of its inherent characteristics, if a fiberoptic cable is selected as the communication cable 305, then thedisruption assembly 310 need only bend or pierce the cable fordisruption the signal being transmitted therein.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the disruption assembly 312 includes a body314, a cable receiving channel 316, and a disruption device 318. Thebody 314 of the disruption assembly 312 can be positioned nearby thedistribution system 200. For instance, as depicted in FIG. 1, thedisruption assembly 312 is positioned beneath the messenger 215 andsecured to the power pole 205 p. The disruption assembly 312 canalternatively be positioned above the messenger 215 and secured to thepower pole 205 p, on the arm 210 extending from the power pole 205 p,integral therewith, or elsewhere, such that the disruption device 318 isloaded with the potential to bend, snap, pierce, slice, and/or cut thecommunication cable 305.

The disruption device 318 of the disruption assembly 312 can be tetheredto an element of the distribution system 200, for example, the messenger215. The tether 320 that connects the disruption device 318 to themessenger 215 is preferably primarily composed of Aluminum wiring,though other preferably non-rusting leashes, wire, and/or strings can beused.

The disruption device 318 is positioned with the potential of disruptingthe cable 305. For example, the disruption device 318 can be actuated tocut the cable 305. Because the cable 305 rests within the channel 316 ofthe disruption assembly 312, the disruption device 318 can knife throughthe communication cable 305 via a blade 306, which can be a stainlesssteel cutting blade. When the bundled conductor 235 falls, the arm 210holding the bundled conductor 235 is releasable or breakable, andconsequently the messenger 215 falls. As a result, the disruption device318 can move and slice the communication cable 305. In otherembodiments, the disruption device 318 can make contact with thecommunication cable 305 to disrupt, bend, and/or pierce the cable, suchthat disruption of the signal traveling through the communication cable305 occurs.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B, the disruption assembly 310 can have anopen state and a closed state. First, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6A,the disruption assembly 310 is in the open state. When the disruptionassembly 310 remains in the open state, an object has not yet fallen onan element of the distribution system 200. The majority of the time, thedisruption assembly 310 will remain in this open state. When in the openstate, the disruption assembly 310 maintains the potential to move tothe closed state. Second, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, when an objectfalls on an element of the distribution system 200, the disruptionassembly 310 falls into the closed state, causing the disruption device318 to bend, snap, pierce, slice, and/or cut the communication cable305. Consequently, when the disruption assembly 310 enters its closedstate, a warning can be generated to alert that an event, such as anobject falling on an element of the distribution system 200, hasoccurred.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6A-6B, the disruption assembly 310 can includethe body 314, which is securable to the arm 210 or the pole 205 p. Ifthe disruption assembly 310 is to be secured to the arm 210 or pole 205p by a boring means, the body 314 can define an aperture 315. Theaperture 315 is adapted to receive a portion of bolt or other securingmeans for attachment to the arm 210 or pole 205 p. Additionally, thecommunications cable 305 can be carried by the body 314 of thedisruption assembly 310 by both the cable receiving channel 316 and atwo-element disruption device 318. The cable receiving channel 316 andthe two-element disruption device 318 are coupled to the body 314.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6B, the method of installing thecable 305 to the disruption assembly 310 is illustrated. The cablereceiving channel 316 can comprise a static element 316 s and a dynamic,or movable, element 316 d. The static element 316 s preferably does notmove, while the dynamic element 316 d is adapted to move. Accordingly,the cable 305 can be secured between the elements 316 d and 316 s, suchthat the cable 305 does not fall from the disruption assembly 310. In anexemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the dynamic element316 d can move away from the static element 316 s, which as illustratedby the arrow can be downwardly for inserting the cable between theelements 316 s and 316 d.

Additionally, the two-element disruption device 318 can include a firstarm 318 f and a second arm 318 s. In one embodiment, the first arm 318 fcan be static, such that it does not move. The second arm 318 s can bedynamic and charged with the potential to move if needed. Both the firstarm 318 f and the second arm 318 s can define a cutout or aperture 319.The cutout 319 of both the first arm 318 f and the second arm 318 s canline up to one another, as shown in FIG. 6B. Accordingly, the cable 305can be weaved therethrough (as shown in FIG. 6A), and securedtherebetween once the two arms 318 f and 318 s are lined up. In anotherembodiment, both the first arm 318 f and the second arm 318 s arecapable of movement, as illustrated by the arrows in FIGS. 6A-6B.

The signal processing system 350, as shown in FIG. 3, is positioned nearat least one of the power poles 205 p. The signal processing system 350can provide a signal, such as a pulsed or continuous signal, to betransmitted through the communication cable 305. For example, if thecommunication cable 305 is a fiber optic cable, the signal processingsystem 350 can send a light signal through the fiber optic cable. Thelight travels along the communication cable 305 until it reaches eitheranother signal processing system 350 or the same signal processingsystem 350 that transmitted the light in the first case. If, for somereason, the light does not reach the designated signal processing system350, an operator is alerted. At that time the operator can decidewhether to prompt with another signal through the signal processingsystem 350, to send a line operator to check on the status of theconductors, and/or kill power to the area.

One of many advantages with using a fiber optic cable for thecommunication cable 305 is many fiber optic cables include more than onefiber. Accordingly, a single fiber optic cable can be used to travelalong the cable, and a second “return” cable is not necessary. As shownin FIG. 3, the signal processing system 350 can transmit a signal alongthe fiber optic cable. When the signal reaches the terminus of thecable, by tying one fiber of the fiber optic cable to another fiber, thesignal can be returned. Further, if there are more fibers (often thereare four fibers in a fiber optic cable), they can be used for othercommunication purposes, such as high speed internet, telephonecommunications, and the like. If a coaxial cable is provided, either asplice and/or router to route to a second coaxial cable, or a subsequentsignal processing system to receive and transmit is needed at thetermination point of the cable.

An aspect of the present invention includes a warning system to alert anoperator of conductors (i.e., utility company) that an insulatedconductor has fallen. A communication cable runs alongside power polesholding the monitored wire, such as a bundled insulated conductor,aloft. If/when the bundled conductor falls, a mechanical event can slicethe communication cable, such as a coaxial or fiber optic cable, with acutter assembly that is secured to the pole.

Oftentimes, bundled conductors are insulated from the ground, such aswith an insulative covering. Thus, if a person standing on the groundwere to touch a live bundled conductor, the ground for the system wouldbe provided, and hence that person could be electrocuted. Unfortunately,conventional protection schemes are not effective in determining whenthe conductor is in reach of the public. The bundled conductor warningsystem can determine when a bundled conductor falls, and can alert anoperator of the fallen bundled conductor.

The bundled conductor warning system comprises, for example, a fiberoptic cable running alongside power poles that carry the bundledconductors. When the conductors fall (often due to a tree/branch fallingon the power lines/conductors) the disruption assembly can disrupt thesignal being transmitted through the cable.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cutter assembly is in communication tothe power pole, and has the potential to cut the cable when theconductors fall. The fiber optic cable is positioned in an aperture ofthe cutter assembly. The cutting device of the cutter assembly istethered to the messenger, which is designed to hold the bundledconductor to the arm. When the conductors fall, the arm holding thebundled conductor is breakable, and consequently the messenger falls. Asa result, the cutting device is caused to move downwardly anddisrupts/slices the fiber optic cable. This is generally illustrated bythe arrow in FIG. 5.

A light being transmitted (constantly or pulsed) in the fiber opticcable can be monitored by a signal processing system, or signal box. Thesignal box both transmits and monitors the light. If a light signalreturns to the signal box after traveling the length of the cable, theline is fine, and it is presumed that no bundled conductors have fallen.If, however, the light signal does not return to the signal box (forexample, when the fiber optic cable is cut by the cutter assembly), thenit is presumed that the bundled conductor may have fallen. Acommunication device (such as a modem) at the signal box can transmit analarm, and an operator can either decide to remotely trip a protectivedevice to turn off the electricity, or send someone to patrol the powerlines.

In an exemplary embodiment, a warning system comprises a supportstructure; an arm carried by the support structure and extendingoutwardly therefrom; a distribution system providing a utility via atleast one wire, the wire held aloft from a below surface via the arm; acommunication cable transmitting a signal; a disruption assemblycarrying the communication cable and in communication with the supportstructure, the disruption assembly loaded with the potential ofdisrupting the signal transmitted by the communication cable; and asensor system for monitoring the distribution system based on the signaltransmitted by the communication cable.

In exemplary embodiments, the at least one wire can comprise aninsulated conductor transmitting electricity therethrough. The supportstructure can comprise a power pole. The arm can comprise a breakaway orrelease means, such that when an object falls on the distribution systemthe arm breaks or releases at the breakaway or release means. The armcan be positioned near a top of the support structure and can carry boththe wire and communication cable, which are positioned near an end ofthe arm opposite to the support structure.

In additional exemplary embodiments, the warning system can furthercomprise a messenger device comprising a cable and comprising conductivecharacteristics, the messenger carried by the arm; and a hanger systemcarried by the messenger and carrying the at least one wire.

The disruption assembly of warning system can comprise a disruptiondevice for interrupting the signal transmitted through the communicationcable.

In an exemplary embodiment, the warning system provides notification ofa fallen conductor and comprises both a power distribution systemdistributing electrical power and a sensor system for sensing whetherthe power distribution system is operating properly. The powerdistribution system comprises: at least one insulated conductor; asupport structure; an arm coupled to the support structure and extendingoutwardly therefrom; a messenger device connected near a far end of thearm, opposite the support structure, the messenger device comprisingconductive characteristics; and a hanger system for securing the atleast one insulated conductor aloft, the hanger system carried by themessenger. The sensor system comprises a communication cabletransmitting a signal; a disruption assembly comprising a channel forcarrying the communication cable, the disruption assembly adapted todisrupt the signal transmitted by the communication cable upon theoccurrence of an event; and a signal processing system for providing thesignal to the communication cable.

In exemplary embodiments, the hanger system comprises a hangercomprising a plurality of clamps defining a channel sufficiently largeenough to receive and secure the at least one insulated conductor. Thesupport structure comprises a plurality of power poles, each positionedin an approximate vertical orientation and distant from another. The armcomprises a breakaway or release mechanism, such that when an objectfalls on the distribution system the arm breaks or releases at thebreakaway or release mechanism. Also, the arm can be positioned near atop of the support structure, and the wire and communication cable canbe positioned near an opposing end of the arm relative to the supportstructure.

In addition, the communication cable can comprise a fiber optic cable.The disruption assembly can comprise a cutting device for slicing thecommunication cable. The signal processing system generates a continuoussignal to be transmitted by the communication cable. Alternatively, thesignal processing system generates a pulsed signal to be transmitted bythe communication cable.

Also, the sensor system can further comprise a communication device forremotely communicating the status of the sensor system. Exemplarily, thedisruption assembly can be integral with the arm.

The disruption assembly of the warning system can comprise a body; achannel for receiving the communication cable; and a disruption devicetethered to an element of the messenger and loaded with the potential ofdisruption the signal transmitted by the communication cable.

Embodiments also relate to a method of monitoring the status of aninsulated conductor to determine if the insulated conductor has fallen.Exemplarily, the method comprises transmitting a signal through acommunication cable; monitoring the signal transmitted through thecommunication cable at predetermined locations; and generating anotification upon failure of the signal to reach a predetermined signalreceipt point. The method can further comprise extending thecommunication cable along a plurality of power poles.

While embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in its preferredforms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that manymodifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention and itsequivalents, as set forth in the following claims.

1. In a distribution system comprising a support structure carrying atleast one conductor, a sensor system comprising: a communication cabletransmitting a signal; and a disruption assembly receiving thecommunication cable and in communication with the distribution system,the disruption assembly configured to disrupt the signal transmitted bythe communication cable when the at least one conductor falls.
 2. Thesensor system of claim 1, wherein the disruption assembly comprises: abody positioned proximate the support structure; a channel receivingpathway receiving the communication cable; and a disruption deviceloaded with the potential to disrupt the signal transmitted by thecommunication cable.
 3. The sensor system of claim 2, wherein thedisruption device is loaded with the potential to disrupt the signaltransmitted by the communication cable by cutting at least a portion ofthe communication cable.
 4. The sensor system of claim 1, wherein thedisruption assembly is tethered to an element of the distributionsystem.
 5. The sensor system of claim 1, wherein the communication cableis a fiber optic cable.
 6. The sensor system of claim 1, furthercomprising a signal processing system for providing the signal to thecommunication cable.
 7. The sensor system of claim 1, wherein the signalis a continuous signal.
 8. The sensor system of claim 1, furthercomprising a communication device remotely communicating the status ofthe sensor system.
 9. In a distribution system comprising a supportstructure carrying at least one conductor, a method of monitoring thestatus of the at least one conductor to determine if the conductor hasfallen, the method comprising: transmitting a signal with acommunication cable, the communication cable carried by the supportstructure; loading a disruption assembly with the potential to disruptthe signal through the communication cable; and disrupting the signalthrough the communication cable with the disruption assembly when the atleast one conductor falls.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprisinggenerating a notification upon failure of the signal to reach apredetermined signal receipt point.
 11. The method of claim 9, whereinthe disruption in the signal is indicative that the at least oneconductor has fallen.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the step ofdisrupting the signal through the communication cable comprises cuttingat least a portion of the communication cable.
 13. The method of claim9, wherein the signal is a continuous signal.
 14. The method of claim 9,wherein the step of loading the disruption assembly comprises tetheringthe disruption assembly to an element of the distribution system.
 15. Adisruption assembly for disrupting a signal transmitted through acommunication cable to provide notification of a fallen conductor in adistribution system, the disruption assembly comprising: a body; a cablereceiving channel; and a disruption device having a first end pivotablyattached to the body such that a disruption portion of the disruptiondevice is enabled to enter at least a portion of the cable receivingchannel.
 16. The disruption assembly of claim 15, wherein the disruptiondevice comprises a tethering element proximate a second end of thedisruption device.
 17. The disruption assembly of claim 15, wherein thedisruption portion of the disruption device comprises a blade.
 18. Thedisruption assembly of claim 15, wherein the disruption portion of thedisruption device comprises a cutout.